WHMIS Training for Occupational Health & Safety (Canada)
Do you have chemicals in your workplace?
Do you know how to integrate the Act and the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (ROSH)? According to this law, all your employees must receive WHMIS training before they even start handling these products. We have the right training for you. Our training complies with Health Canada and CNESST requirements and contains the information and training program. The latter includes procedures for the storage, handling, use and disposal of products.
This course aims to raise awareness of WHMIS and to make workers aware of impending hazards in their workplace. Each class and category of danger are thoroughly explained. We evaluate the entire journey of hazardous materials from their entry into the workplace to their output in finished products or residual materials. An audit (optional) is recommended beforehand.
WHMIS 2015 (Revision 2022)This WHMIS training aims to raise workers' awareness of hazards in the workplace. Each class and category of danger are thoroughly explained. We evaluate the entire journey of hazardous materials from their entry into the workplace to their output in finished products or residual materials. An audit (optional) is recommended beforehand. We cover the following topics:
It is the implementation of WHMIS in the rules of art that will become an added value to your business! We privilege enjoyable learning with the help of games and didactic material. Each participant will receive a training booklet for future reference and a training certificate. WHMIS 2015 Training outline |
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Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Interpretation
This WHMIS training on the interpretation of an SDS is intended to support companies that must assess the compliance of SDS received from their suppliers in order to comply with the Occupational Health and safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations, including the Hazardous Products Information Regulation (HPIR). Each participant will learn to recognize nonconformity in SDS. Among other things, we will cover the following topics:
This training on the interpretation of SDS also includes practical exercises to make the learning a reality. Each participant will receive a training workbook for future reference and a training certificate. SDS Interpretation Training outline |
WHMIS 2015 ClassificationThis WHMIS training is given by experienced chemists and is intended for anyone responsible for producing Safety Data Sheets (SDS or formerly called Material Safety Data Sheets) and related labels for their company. We cover the following topics:
We privilege enjoyable learning with the help of games and didactic material. Each participant will receive a training booklet for future reference and a training certificate. WHMIS 2015 Classification Training outline |
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CCCR ClassificationThis CCCR training aims to support companies that sell hazardous products dedicated to Canadian consumers according to Regulation on Chemicals and Consumer Containers (CCCR). Each participant will learn to master all the steps in order to properly complete the Health Canada required checklist. We will assess each of the five classes: toxic, corrosive, flammable products, adhesives that quickly stick to the skin as well as containers under pressure. We also cover the following topics:
We privilege enjoyable learning with the help of games and didactic material. Each participant will receive a training booklet for future reference and a training certificate. CCCR Classification Training outline |
WHMIS Hazard Classes
Since the Hazardous Products Regulations replaced the Controlled Products Regulations in Canada, WHMIS has primarily used the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) pictograms. These pictograms, easily recognizable by their red diamond-shaped border, attract workers' attention and inform them of the hazards posed by the products. These hazards are divided into 2 groups: physical hazards and health hazards.
Physical Hazards
Physical hazards are hazards that can cause damage to the immediate environment of the products, through mechanical or chemical action. Physical hazards can also seriously injure workers who are exposed to them. WHMIS groups physical hazards under 5 pictograms, in addition to hazards that are not identified by a pictogram.
Exploding Bomb![Exploding bomb pictogram]()
This pictogram warns the worker that the product puts him or her at risk of an explosion, that is, a chemical reaction generating gases at a speed, temperature and pressure that could cause harm.
Explosives are not regulated under WHMIS, as they are regulated in Canada by the Explosives Act. However, some substances that are not legally explosives may still pose an explosion hazard. The following WHMIS hazard classes require the exploding bomb pictogram to be displayed:
- Self-reactive substances - Types A and B
- Organic peroxides - Types A and B
When this pictogram is present on a product, all necessary precautions must be taken to prevent detonation or deflagration of the substance. The product must be protected from heat, flames, sparks, static electricity and shock. They must be protected from light and kept cool, often refrigerated in an explosion-proof refrigerator, and only trained personnel should have access to them. The quantity of these substances that are kept in a workplace should be kept to a minimum.
Gas Cylinder![Gas cylinder pictogram]()
The gas cylinder pictogram is present when a product is a pressurized container, except for aerosols. This pictogram indicates to the user that the contents are under pressure, and that there is a risk of significant damage if the container is opened, broken or mishandled.
Gas cylinders are often the products that carry this pictogram. If broken, a gas cylinder can literally go off like a rocket, causing considerable damage to anything in its path. The WHMIS hazard classes that require this pictogram to be displayed are:
- Gases under pressure
- Compressed gases
- Liquefied gases
- Refrigerated liquefied gases
- Dissolved gases
- Chemicals under pressure
When handling, transporting or storing a product that bears the gas cylinder symbol, care must be taken to avoid any situation that could lead to the rupture of the container. Cylinders must be kept upright and secured to prevent them from falling. Containers must be kept away from heat and sunlight to avoid an increase in internal pressure that could lead to an explosion of the container.
Flame![Flame pictogram]()
The flame pictogram is the WHMIS pictogram that groups together the most different hazard classes. It indicates, quite generally, a fire hazard.
There are 11 separate hazard classes that are associated with the flame pictogram. These classes are:
- Flammable gases - Categories 1A, 1B, Chemically unstable gases A and B, and 1A Pyrophoric gas
- Aerosols - Categories 1 and 2
- Flammable liquids - Categories 1, 2 and 3
- Chemicals under pressure - Categories 1 and 2
- Flammable solids - Category 1
- Pyrophoric liquids
- Pyrophoric solids
- Self-heating substances
- Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
- Self-reactive substances - Types B, C, D, E, F
- Organic peroxides - Types B, C, D, E, F
When handling products bearing the flame pictogram, particular care should be taken to keep them away from open flames, heat sources and sparks. Measures should also be taken to avoid shocks and static electricity. Mixing these products with oxidizing products should also be avoided, as these mixtures increase the risk of ignition.
Some of these substances also require special precautions, such as pyrophoric liquids and solids, which must be stored under an inert atmosphere. Materials that, in contact with water, emit flammable gases should be kept dry, such as in a desiccator or immersed in oil, to avoid contact with water or moisture in the air.
The storage of products bearing the flame pictogram is a complex issue due to the wide range of hazard classes grouped together. Not all substances bearing the flame symbol are compatible with each other. Self-heating materials, for example, cannot be stored with flammable materials. The storage of materials bearing the flame pictogram is often problematic, and further study is often required for the safe storage of these substances. It is often easier to rely on the classification of the products in the transport of dangerous goods for their storage.
Flame on a Circle![Flame on a circle Corrosion pictogram]()
The flame pictogram on a circle represents products that present a risk due to their oxidizing action. In other words, these are products that are not combustible, but that can cause or aggravate a fire due to their property of providing oxygen. There are three hazard classes under this pictogram:
- Oxidizing gases
- Oxidizing liquids
- Oxidizing solids
Products that bear this pictogram must be kept away from flammable products and combustibles. In the event of a fire, a fire that reaches oxidizing products would accelerate and grow, which must be avoided at all costs. Contact of these materials with flammable products is also to be avoided, as this can cause a fire or even an explosion. Some oxidizing products even have an oxidizing power powerful enough to start a fire on contact with simple combustible materials, such as wood or paper. For this reason, oxidizers should not be stored in cardboard boxes or on wooden pallets and shelves.
Corrosion![Corrosion pictogram]()
The corrosion pictogram is the only WHMIS pictogram that is used to identify both physical and health hazards. In this section, we are only interested in physical hazards. Health hazards will be covered in the next section.
In the case of physical hazards, this pictogram represents products that cause damage to metals through chemical action. Only one hazard class is associated with this pictogram:
- Materials that are corrosive to metals
When handling a substance that is corrosive to metals, it is logical to prevent it from encountering metals. This involves quickly cleaning up any spilled substance to prevent it from reaching and attacking surrounding metal structures. Another point of vigilance is the container in which the product is stored or transferred, which must be corrosion resistant. Storing these substances in a metal container is prohibited to avoid container failures that could lead to a spill.
Another point of the substances identified by the corrosion pictogram is that it includes acidic, basic, and neutral substances. However, acids and bases are incompatible. During storage, special attention must therefore be paid to the separation of these substances. Indeed, mixing an acid and a base can cause a violent exothermic reaction. The heat generation can cause a fire and projections of non-neutralized corrosive substances in all directions, thus increasing the damage and risks. Safe handling of acids and bases should also avoid mixing these substances, or at least ensure that they are mixed in a way that controls the reaction.
Hazards without Pictograms
There are several classes of physical hazards in WHMIS that, even though they present a hazard, do not require the display of a pictogram. These are the following hazard classes:
When handling a product that does not have a pictogram, it is therefore advisable to check the label to ensure that the product does not fall into one of these hazard categories. This allows you to take appropriate measures to protect yourself.
Physical Hazards Not Otherwise Classified
Finally, one last class of physical hazards deserves a mention: Physical Hazards Not Otherwise Classified (PHNOC). This class allows for mentioning a physical hazard specific to the product that would not be present in the regulation. One could think, for example, of a product that makes surfaces extremely slippery and risks causing falls during a spill.
No specific pictogram is provided for this class of hazard. However, it is permitted in Canada to use one of the WHMIS pictograms to warn of a such a hazard, if this pictogram is appropriate. A PHNOC that could cause a fire, for example, could be identified by the flame pictogram.
Health Hazards
Health hazards are hazards that affect human health. Their actions can be immediate or long-term, localized or systemic, and sometimes even lethal. WHMIS groups health hazards under 5 pictograms, in addition to hazards that are not identified by a pictogram.
Corrosion![Corrosion pictogram]()
This pictogram informs the worker that the product can cause corrosion of the skin, eyes or even the respiratory tract. Corrosion is characterized by the appearance of irreversible lesions, such as necrosis, burns, ulcerations, bleeding and blisters.
It is important to know that an acidic product and an alkaline product will not act in the same way on your skin. In fact, the acid will be felt immediately by a pain signal. For a base, there will rather be a saponification reaction with the skin; the base transforms your skin into soap! This reaction, at the time, is not painful although the damage is triggered.
The WHMIS hazard classes that require the display of this pictogram are:
- Skin corrosion - Categories 1A, 1B and 1C
- Serious eye damage - Category 1
- Health hazards not otherwise classified - Corrosion - Category 1 (for respiratory tract corrosion)
Regardless of whether your product is acidic or alkaline, when this pictogram is present, body and eye wash stations must be in the vicinity of the handling of these products. The ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard must be respected during installation.
The use of protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses and any other equipment to reduce the risks of contact with the product is also necessary.
In terms of storage, the considerations discussed in the section on materials corrosive to metals also apply here. Since corrosive substances can be acidic or basic, special attention must be paid to incompatibilities.
Skull and Crossbones![Skull and crossbones pictogram]()
This pictogram warns the worker that he is in the presence of a product with acute toxicity. Acute toxicity is characterized by adverse effects that can lead to death following the administration of a single dose (or several doses spread over a 24-hour interval).
WHMIS considers ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact as routes of exposure to a product. For inhalation toxicity, three types of exposure are possible: exposure to gas, exposure to vapors, or exposure to dust and mists. It should be noted that a product that is toxic by skin contact can kill without leaving a trace or burn on the skin. Some products can also release a toxic gaseous substance when they contact water.
The criteria used to determine a product's dangerousness are the LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of the population) and the LC50 (lethal concentration for 50% of the population). The smaller the dose required to poison, the more dangerous the product.
The WHMIS hazard classes that require the display of this pictogram are:
- Acute toxicity - Categories 1, 2 and 3
- Acute toxicity - Categories 1, 2 and 3
- Acute toxicity - inhalation - Categories 1, 2 and 3
As with corrosive products, when this pictogram is present, body and eye showers must be close to the handling zone of toxic products. All means must be taken to minimize exposure to the product.
It is important to store toxic products in a cool and well-ventilated place. Toxic products must be kept away from oxidizing materials, strong oxidants and all incompatible products. They must also be kept away from heat sources or places where the risk of fire is high.
Health Hazard![Health Hazard pictogram]()
This pictogram is used to designate products that are seriously harmful to health. It is used for 7 WHMIS health hazard classes:
- Respiratory sensitization
- Germ cell mutagenicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Reproductive toxicity - Categories 1A, 1B and 2
- Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure - Categories 1 and 2
- Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure
- Aspiration hazard
Since this pictogram is used for several hazard classes, it is important to read the label and consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to know what hazard(s) you will be exposed to when handling this product.
Except for Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure and Aspiration Hazard, these are hazards that will affect your health over the long term. It is therefore very important to use the appropriate personal protective equipment when handling these products, as the damage may not appear for several years. Again, reducing exposure to these products is the best option.
Products with this pictogram should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from your other hazardous products.
Exclamation Point![Exclamation mark pictogram]()
This pictogram indicates a product that is harmful to health. The WHMIS classes and categories associated with the exclamation point pictogram are:
- Acute toxicity - oral - Category 4
- Acute toxicity - dermal - Category 4
- Acute toxicity - inhalation - Category 4
- Skin irritation - Category 2
- Eye irritation - Category 2A
- Skin sensitization
- Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure - Category 3
- Narcotic effect
- Respiratory tract irritation
Since this pictogram is used for several hazard classes, it is important to read the label and consult the safety data sheet (SDS) to know what hazard(s) you will be exposed to when handling the product. Indeed, you will not protect yourself in the same way from a harmful product as from an irritant or sensitizing product. Products with this pictogram should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from your other hazardous products.
Biological Hazards![Biohazardous infectious materials pictogram]()
The Biohazardous Infectious Materials pictogram is unique to Canada. That is why it is not a diamond-shaped icon with a red border like other WHMIS pictograms. It is important to read product labels with this pictogram carefully to understand the hazard you will be exposed to. The hazard statements will vary depending on the infectious material.
Hazards without pictograms
There are a few WHMIS health hazard classes that, despite being hazardous, do not require a pictogram to be displayed. These are the following hazard classes:
- Eye irritation - Category 2B
- Reproductive toxicity - Effect on or via breastfeeding
Since some hazards do not require a pictogram, you should always read the product label before using it to be aware of the hazard(s) to which you will be exposed.
Health hazards not otherwise classified
Finally, one last class of health hazards must be mentioned: Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified (HHNOC). This class allows you to mention a health hazard specific to the product that would not be present in the regulations.
No specific pictogram is provided for this hazard class. However, it is permitted in Canada to use one of the WHMIS pictograms to warn of a hazard, if this pictogram is appropriate.
As mentioned above when there is respiratory tract corrosion the product can be classified as Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified - Corrosion - Category 1 and the corrosion pictogram added.
Frequently asked questions
Is WHMIS required in Quebec?
WHMIS is required in Quebec for all workers who are exposed or are likely to be exposed to a hazardous product in their workplace under the Règlement sur l’information concernant les produits dangereux (RIPD, sect. VI, art. 29). This includes workers who are handling hazardous materials, and workers who are working in proximity to hazardous materials. Also worth mentioning is the same regulatory article requires the training given to employees to be ‘’ adapted to the workers, the specific characteristics of the workplace and the nature of the hazardous products present in the workplace.’’ For this reason, a generic training based only of online videos does not meet the regulatory requirements.
What is the WHMIS training for?
WHMIS gives workers a lot of important information for their safety, but to use WHMIS effectively, training is required. The objective of WHMIS training is to give workers the necessary knowledge to understand the labels, SDS and hazards associated to the products used in their workplace.
Amongst the information a WHMIS training allows to understand are the following:
- Particularities of different hazards
- Meaning of different pictograms
- Elements found in a SDS
- Elements required on a compliant label
How to get a WHMIS certificate in Canada?
A WHMIS certificate is issued when a worker has completed WHMIS training. This certificate can then be used by the employer as a proof the employee has been trained on WHMIS, which corresponds to the “training” part of the training and information program required under the Loi sur la santé et la sécurité au travail (LSST, art. 62.5). The “information” part of the program will instead be the information the employer has to communicate to the employee, like:
- The location of emergency exits
- The location of emergency showers
- The location of the safety data sheets
- The location of the PPE
- Name and contacts of emergency responders
- Emergency action response plan
- Location of the hazardous material
- Etc.
This information being specific to the workplace, it falls to the employer to communicate them to them employees, and to advise said employees of any changes to this information.
This training program must be updated at least once a year, or sooner if necessary, such as in one of the two following situations:
- “if a new hazardous product for which the workers have not received training or information is present in the workplace”
- “if a change occurs in the workplace that has an impact on work methods, on the risks of exposure to a hazardous product or on the procedure to be followed in an emergency”
What is WHMIS and why is it important for workplace safety?
WHMIS, or Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, is an essential Canadian program designed to protect the health and safety of workers. WHMIS provides clear and standardized information on hazardous products present in the workplaces. This information is contained in the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR). WHMIS is your health and safety passport for chemicals.
What are the key components of WHMIS 2015?
WHMIS is a set of rules that govern the classification of chemicals based on their health and physical hazards.
- Labeling
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Training
These are the three main aspects of WHMIS. All of these aspects are covered in our various WHMIS training.
Training must include a training and information program regarding hazardous products, the minimum content of which is determined by regulation. The employer must ensure that the training and information received by a worker provides them with the skills required to safely perform their assigned work. The training and information program must be established by the health and safety committee. In the absence of a health and safety committee, the training and information program is established by the employer, in consultation with the accredited association or, failing that, with the workers. All our training programs can be adapted to the workers, the specific characteristics of the workplace, and the nature of the hazardous products present there. Anyone working with hazardous products must have received personalized training.
What are the employer's responsibilities under WHMIS?
- The employer must ensure that the training and information received by a worker provides the worker with the skills required to safely perform the work assigned to him. The training and information program must be established by the health and safety committee. In the absence of a health and safety committee, the training and information program is established by the employer, with the workers.
- Notwithstanding providing an education and training program to employees on the risks and hazards in their workplace, the employer must ensure that they obtain the SDSs and labels of hazardous products from the supplier or, failing that, produce and/or translate them.
- They must also make these SDSs accessible to workers. These SDSs must be consistent with the product labels.
- Other responsibilities include properly labeling all hazardous products, updating the information, and developing a WHMIS program that includes a list of hazardous products, training procedures, and safety and prevention policies.
How do I read and understand a WHMIS label?
Since WHMIS 2015, based on the GHS, WHMIS offers greater worker protection, but its complexity has increased. Demystifying and understanding WHMIS labels is one of the topics covered in our WHMIS trainings. We will teach you what mandatory information must appear on the supplier label, as well as the information it contains. With this training, you will be able to properly identify product hazards and verify the compliance of your labels.
What information is found on a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is an essential document providing detailed information about a hazardous product to ensure its safe handling. It contains 16 regulatory sections, each covering a specific aspect of the product.
1 - Product and supplier identification
2 - Hazard Identification
3 - Composition / information on ingredients
4 - First-aid measures
5 - Fire-fighting measures
6 - Accidental release measures
7 - Handling and storage
8 - Exposure controls/ personal protection
9 - Physical and chemical properties
10 - Stability and reactivity
11 - Toxicological information
12 - Ecological information
13 - Disposal considerations
14 - Transport information
15 - Regulatory information
16 - Other informationIn our WHMIS trainings, we cover each of these sections. In addition, we offer a SDS Interpretation training, which examines each section in depth.
What are the different WHMIS hazard pictograms and what do they mean?
WHMIS pictograms are visual symbols framed by a red diamond that allow you to quickly identify the type of hazard associated with a product. They are harmonized with the GHS (Globally Harmonized System) and are essential for preventing accidents in the workplace. All All WHMIS pictograms are presented in detail earlier on this page, along with the hazard classes associated with each one.
How often is WHMIS training required?
WHMIS training is mandatory whenever a worker is likely to be exposed to hazardous products. However, the frequency varies according to certain criteria:
- Upon hiring: All new employees must receive WHMIS training before handling hazardous products.
- In the event of changes: The introduction of a new hazardous product, a change in work procedures, or an update to the safety data sheets (SDS) requires updated WHMIS training.
- Regularly: In Quebec, the Hazardous Products Information Regulation (HPIR, s. 31) requires annual training updates. Other provinces may have similar or slightly different requirements.
What is the difference between WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015/GHS?
The transition from WHMIS 1988 to WHMIS 2015 marked an important milestone in the regulation of hazardous products in Canada. This change incorporated the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Here are the main changes that were made:
- Regulatory basis: Controlled Products Regulations -> Hazardous Products Regulations
- Terminology: Controlled product, material safety data sheet (MSDS) -> Hazardous product, safety data sheet (SDS)
- Hazard classification: Less detailed -> Largely harmonized with the GHS
- Pictograms: 8 black symbols in circles -> 9 red diamond-shaped pictograms (note that Canada has retained its pictogram for biological hazards, as these are not covered by the GHS)
- SDS: 9 to 16 sections -> 16 standardized sections
- SDS updates: every 3 years -> only in case of significant changes
- Please note that Canada has not made the Environment pictogram mandatory.
Does WHMIS cover all products?
In fact, WHMIS does not apply to all products. It applies specifically to hazardous products intended for use, handling, or storage in a Canadian workplace. Products not covered by WHMIS are regulated by other laws and regulations. These include:
- Consumer products: Products that are hazardous to the health and safety of consumers must be labeled in accordance with the Consumer Product Safety Act.
- Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, or medical devices: These products are governed by the Food and Drugs Act.
- Explosives: Regulated by the Explosives Act.
- Pesticides: Regulated by the Pest Control Products Act.
- Nuclear products: Regulated by the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
- Hazardous waste: If these products are intended for recycling or disposal.
- Tobacco and tobacco products: Regulated by the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act.
- Manufactured articles: Finished objects whose risk lies in their handling, use, or maintenance, rather than in the product itself.
It is important to note that even if a product is exempt from WHMIS labeling and safety data sheets (SDS), employers are required to ensure that workers are adequately informed and trained about the risks associated with using these products.
What should I do in case of a chemical spill or exposure?
In the event of a chemical spill or exposure, it is crucial to act quickly, calmly, and in accordance with established safety procedures.
Here are the main steps to follow:
1. Assess the situation
2. Stop or control the leak
3. Contain the spill
4. Communicate
5. Recover spilled materials
6. Dispose of contaminated materials
7. Write an accidental spill reportOur spill management training is designed to help your response teams choose the right containment materials and establish the right response procedures to be able to react quickly and safely.
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